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While signs of the apocalypse abound these days, Town Square seems none the worse for wear, as evidenced by the line wrapped around Cadillac Ranch for yesterday’s grand opening and a swamped patio at Blue Martini. In search of other less crowded dining options, I stumbled upon Bar Louie and one very happy hour.

In addition to a generous $1 half pound burger special on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. until close, Louie has a happy hour from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays featuring half off appetizers, called “small plates.” Those small plates turned out to be some of the largest appetizers I have ever encountered, and while pizza and chicken wings sounded tasty, it was a more nostalgic snack that stood out on Bar Louie’s menu: Loaded Tater Tots.

Immediately rekindling fond Napolean Dynamite memories, these gooey cheese-covered snacks were a must-sample. Not your garden variety Sonic drive-thru fare, the scrumptious bites of fried goodness were smothered in cheese sauce, green onions, bacon and giardiniera, a marinated Italian-style vegetable garnish. The enormous portion, less than $5 with happy hour pricing, fed two of us with enough left over to take home for breakfast. Sliders and chicken nachos were delicious as well, but it’s the smothered and covered cafeteria staple, and the deep discount, that will bring me back.

If you think you’re the tater tot king or queen, put your money where your mouth is and sign up for the Rock the Tot tater tot eating contest on April 23.